I have duly recieved the Address of that portion of the citizens of [Boston] who have declared their approbation of the present suspension of our commerce, and their dissent from the Representation of those of the same place who wished it’s removal. a division of sentiment was not unexpected. on no question can a perfect unanimity be hoped, or certainly it would have been on that between war & embargo, the only alternatives presented to our choice. for the general capture of our vessels would have been war on one side, which reason & interest would repel by war & reprisal on our part.

Of the several interests composing those of the U. States, that of Manufactures would of course prefer to war a state of non-intercourse, so favorable to their rapid growth and prosperity. Agriculture, altho’ sensibly feeling the loss of market for it’s produce, would find many aggravations in a state of war. Commerce & Navigation, or that portion which is foreign, in the inactivity to which they are reduced by the present state of things, certainly experience their full share in the general inconvenience: but whether War would to them be a preferable alternative, is a question their patriotism would never hastily propose. it is to be regretted however that overlooking the real sources of their sufferings, the British & French edicts, which constitute the actual blockade of our foreign commerce & navigation, they have, with too little reflection, imputed them to laws which have saved them from greater and have preserved for our own use our vessels, property & seamen, instead of adding them to the strength of those with whom we might eventually have to contend.

The embargo, giving time to the belligerent powers to revise their unjust proceedings, & to listen to the dictates of justice of interest & reputation, which equally urge the correction of their wrongs, has availed our country of the only honourable expedient for avoiding war: and should a repeal of these edicts supercede the cause for it, our commercial brethren will become sensible that it has consulted their interests, however against their own will. it will be unfortunate for their country if, in the mean time, these their expressions of impatience should have the effect of prolonging the very sufferings which have produced them, by exciting a fallacious hope that we may, under any pressure, relinquish our equal right of navigating the ocean, go to such ports only as others may prescribe, & there pay the tributory exactions they may impose; an abandonment of national independance & of essential rights revolting to every manly sentiment. while these edicts are in force, no American can ever consent to a return of peaceable intercourse with those who maintain them.

I am happy, in the approach of the period when the feelings and the wisdom of the nation will be collected in their representatives assembled together. to them are committed our rights, to them our wrongs are known, & they will pronounce the remedy they call for: & I hear with pleasure from all, as well those who approve, as who disapprove of the present measures assurances of an implicit acquiescence in their enunciation of the general will.

I beg leave through you to communicate this answer to the Address on which your signature held the first place and to add the assurances of my respect.